'Smash': 'The Workshop' recap

My love affair with Smash has been a bit rocky of late, and with the beginning of this episode, I was concerned that it would continue to head towards: "We should see other people."

It seemed like we were in for more clichés - Karen wins over tough music studio man with her beautiful voice; everyone crowds round Ivy's mother, stage legend Leigh, to gush ridiculously about how amazing she is - but luckily Smash remembered that it can be better than that and pulled things back together.

Smash does at least have a consistent storyline, so the logical step for this episode is to present Marilyn to investors. The only problem is that Michael and Julia are a little distracted, the boiler's broken and the studio is sweltering, and Leigh is undermining Ivy at every possible opportunity.

The heat was actually a nice little plot device - obviously it's something realistic that no doubt happens a lot, but also it gave a sense of oppression, sweat and tension to the situation. The first to feel the pressure are Michael and Julia; they've been enjoying their illicit romance, but when Michael's adorable little son comes to visit, Julia finally realizes what she's been doing and rushes home (causing more chaos in the run-up to the rehearsals).

What's more, she discovers that her bizarre son Leo - who's one of the characters on the show I just can't work out - knows about the affair, and decides that she needs to call an end to it. This does lead to a scene where Michael and Julia debate their relationship in the guise of working out lines for Marilyn, but it largely avoids being too trite (and hey, Derek decides to use their words in the musical).

I guess we've seen the end of Will Chase now, though - after the presentation of Marilyn gratifyingly earns negative reviews (it would be so much more boring if it was universally praised), Tom suggests firing Michael and Julia agrees. Eileen's not going to stand in their way, either - thanks to naughty Ellis, she's heard about the affair (though I liked Eileen's response to Ellis that while the information is useful to her, if he repeats it to anyone else he will never work again).

Julia then tells Leo her affair is over - all by explaining that Michael's been fired, of course - and he ends up sobbing. I'm not a fan of Leo, like many other people, I imagine. But it's not like his response to the affair didn't make sense - anger, pot-smoking and then emotional relief when it's over are all understandable.

More interesting, as always, is Ivy - her relationship with her mother is certainly intriguing. Leigh almost immediately steals the spotlight from her, and we know how hard Ivy has worked to get to the top (the reprise of 'Let Me Be Your Star' works well in this context).

It's not surprising that her mother's constant insults-in-the-form-of-advice affect her, and her performance at the Marilyn showcase is not her best - she stumbles a couple of times. But Derek doesn't help by telling her to get her head in the game during the intermission.

There were hints throughout the episode - largely due to the presence of a talent agent at the workshop - that Ivy could be replaced. Certainly, Derek's in favor of switching things around. This could certainly be an interesting development if it happens.

But in the meantime, we got another of Ivy's wonderful outbursts as she finally confronts her mother - and, interestingly, compares herself to Marilyn herself (which is something I think a few viewers have picked up on). I could have done without the following make-up conversation when Leigh explains that she is just trying to protect her daughter from the cut-throat theater world, but I'll let it pass.

And I suppose we should mention Karen, who impresses Bobby Raskin's people but skips a meeting with him because she feels loyal to the workshop. If that's the end of that storyline, I'll be very disappointed - not because I'm particularly interested in it, but because it would feel like we'd just wasted time. I feel like Karen's suddenly in the background, even though at the beginning it seemed like she was a star. I hope the show figures out what to do with her.

This episode of Smash was actually a bit of a relief - I know the show can be good, but last week's installment really tested my feelings for it. This week, while it wasn't perfect, I saw much more of what I enjoy - the backstage drama, Derek, and more. I still have high hopes for Smash - do you?

Smash Hits

So I guess we're just waiting for a romance between Eileen and bartender Nick now. Sigh. Use Anjelica Huston to her full, lock-smashing potential, please.

Also, are we going to see a Tom and Sam romance now that Tom knows Sam is gay? I kind of liked John.

Ellis continues to be a ridiculously over-the-top villain. The moment when it emerged that he was in the room while Michael and Julia were kissing was a full-on rubbing-hands-together moment.

Speaking of which, why on Earth was Derek in the room when Ivy and Leigh had their blow-out? He was just sitting there watching. Bit weird.

Do we think Derek was sabotaging Ivy because she confronted him last week? That would be interesting. On the other hand, they did have that really sweet moment while Leigh was singing her heart out.

Karen falling off the chair. I thought she fainted because of the heat, which would have at least made sense. But she was just overwhelmed by Ivy. Amazing.

Derek: "The child thing never ceases to perplex me." Julia leaves, upset about Michael having a kid. "Did I say something? That was the least offensive thing I've said in days."

"I've never heard of a Chinese plumber before." Um...

"The leading lady got SARS. Remember SARS?"

I continue to love Derek. He tells the ensemble they did a great job - but as soon as he turns away his face just drops. Amazing.

Loved the moment when Karen and her friend were talking about the talent agent and whether Ivy will get replaced... only for Sam to drop a curtain and reveal Ivy sitting there listening (and waving).

I don't think we needed Karen imagining herself in Ivy's role, did we? Especially if she was so impressed by her as she said later.